SAYRE – A Catholic parish in Pennsylvania and a Presbyterian church across the state line in New York might seem unlikely partners.
But for Epiphany Parish in Sayre and Valley United Presbyterian Church in Waverly, N.Y., ecumenism is becoming a lived experience.
With the support of a $4,500 Social Justice Grant from the Catholic Ministries Appeal, the two congregations have launched a unique and deeply spiritual ecumenical series, centered on community, shared meals, and the sacred gift of the five senses.
“As a Catholic church it is a blessing when we can work with other Christian brothers and sisters,” Father Dan Toomey, Pastor of Epiphany Parish, said. “Pastor Sharan and I (discovered) we held very common views and concerns about social justice.”
Since that first collaboration, the churches have held several events together. The most recent invited participants to reflect on how sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch connect us with God and one another.
Each session included Ignatian contemplative prayer, a meal, and a presentation from a guest speaker.
“We read a passage of scripture and reflected – putting ourselves in that passage and using the sense that was the topic of the evening,” Epiphany parishioner John Schoonover explained.
The format was intentionally multisensory. The sessions on taste and smell were accompanied by meals designed to highlight flavors and aromas. Discussions of sight and sound included reflections on art and beauty.
The impact of the sessions has been deeply human.
“People are sometimes amazed. They say, you mean you’re working together with a Presbyterian church and I’m like, yeah, why not?” Epiphany parishioner Joan Schoonover said with a smile.
The initiative not only welcomed Catholics and Presbyterians, but also drew Lutherans, Episcopalians, and people with no church affiliation at all.
“This is good to try to break down some of those barriers between different groups,” Epiphany parishioner Rich Maggi explained.
“It has been a beautiful cross-section of the community,” Rev. Sharan Knoell, pastor of Valley United Presbyterian Church added.
The grant from the Catholic Ministries Appeal made the entire series possible – from guest speakers and supplies to hospitality and outreach.
“It allows us to put things together, make sure we feed people, and enjoy the evening in this case because all of our events have been gathering people in the community,” Father Toomey stated.
“Catholics and Presbyterians are not necessarily known for denominations and traditions that work so well together – but we’ve made it work. The Diocese has had enough faith in what we are trying to do here, that they’ve financially supported this work,” Pastor Sharan added.
For those new to learning about Catholic traditions, the experience was eye-opening.
“Without the parish social justice grant, I don’t know if this would have gotten off the ground,” Sally Hickey, a member of Valley United Presbyterian Church, said.